Lichen: Ramalina fastigiata
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Ramalina fastigiata showing its erect fruticose nature.
Name: Ramalina fastigiata (Pers.) Ach.
Ramalina fastigiata showing apothecia. Some have flat discs and others are convex; the immature ones are concave.
Pronunciation: Ramalina fastigiata
Conservation Evaluation: Least Concern Body Type: Fruticose
General Description: This is a dense and highly branched Ramalina that is typically erect reaching a height of between 2 cm and 3 cm. It has green-grey to grey thalli; the apothecia are white and deep cupped (concave) when young and are flat to convex when mature. The branches are flat and covered with many tiny holes (fenestra) and striations. The ascospores are kidney shaped 10 µm by 6 µm.
Chemical Tests: The medulla reacts chemically as follows: K -, C -, Pd -, and UV -.
Nature Notes: Ramalina fastigiata is very sensitive to air pollution. Grows in tufts on tree trunks and twigs, usually on the side of the tree exposed to strong sunlight. It likes nutrient rich bark and hedges (near farms, for example). Rarely occurs on rocks.
Vice County distribution map of Acarospora fuscata: See Map
Link: Map this species on the Lichen Survey
Other species recorded in Ireland
Ramalina calicaris (L.) Fr.
Ramalina canariensis J.Steiner
Ramalina chondrina J.Steiner
Ramalina cuspidata (Ach.) Nyl.
Ramalina farinacea (L.) Ach.
Ramalina fastigiata (Pers.) Ach.
Ramalina fraxinea (L.) Ach.
Ramalina lacera (With.) J.R.Laundon
Ramalina polymorpha (Lilj.) Ach.
Ramalina portuensis Samp.
Ramalina siliquosa (Huds.) A.L.Sm.
Ramalina subfarinacea (Nyl. ex Cromb.) Nyl.
Text and images © Paul Whelan, 2009.